Conceived by former Houston Ballet soloist Nao Kusuzaki, TSURU — in Flight is an original contemporary chamber ballet inspired by the classic Japanese folktale Tsuru no Ongaeshi (The Crane Wife). With expressive contemporary choreography by Kenta Kojiri and evocative live instrumentation, the 2027 iteration highlights themes of human resilience, female empowerment, and enduring artistic spirit.
TSURU- in Flight is presented with support from Houston Ballet Foundation.
TSURU was commissioned by Asia Society Texas in 2015.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 2027
2:00 PM & 6:30 PM
MATCHBOX 2
RUNTIME:
50 minutes with no intermission
Artist talkback
immediately following the 6:30 PM performance
TICKETS:
RESERVED SEATING
$50 Center Section
$40 Side Section
Please note that each ticket is subject to a $5 Box Office Support fee at checkout.
CREATIVE TEAM & CAST
Nao Kusuzaki
Concept, Creatiion & Artistic Direction
Kenta Kojiri
Choreography
MUSICIANS
Yumi Kurosawa
Koto virtuoso & Composer
Joy Natsuru Yanai
Cellist
DANCERS
Curtesy of Houston Ballet
Rafaela Henrique
Song Teng
Saul Newport
Ryan Williams
DESIGN TEAM
Ryan McGettigan
Scenic
Tiffany Schrepferman
Lighting
Allison Miller
Costumes
PLAN YOUR VISIT TO MATCH
🎟️ BOX OFFICE & TICKETING
- Online sales end 30 minutes prior to curtain. After this time, tickets may be available in person at the MATCH Box Office.
- The Box Office opens 2 hours prior to curtain for Will Call and walk-up sales.
- ALL SALES ARE FINAL. No refunds or cancellations after purchase.
- Exchanges may be available for shows with multiple dates or times. If available, a self-exchange option will appear on your ticket confirmation. Otherwise, contact the Box Office for assistance. Upgrade fees may apply for some performances.
- Have a discount code and need instructions on how to use it? CLICK HERE.
- Why is there a Box Office Support fee per ticket? CLICK HERE to learn more.
- PLEASE NOTE: Tickets for this event are available exclusively through the MATCH Box Office. Tickets purchased from any other website or ticket seller claiming to offer tickets for this event are unauthorized and will not be accepted for admission.
⏱️ BEFORE THE SHOW
- MATCH Concessions opens 1 hour prior to the start of each event.
- Seating typically opens 30 minutes prior to curtain.
- 🚗 LOCATION & PARKING
- 🍽️ AREA RESTAURANTS & BARS
♿ ACCESSIBILITY: MATCH is a fully accessible facility. Questions? Click here to email the box office.
